Listening to Pipes

Being able to identify which pipe is about to burst would lessen headaches and save money, but there is no easy way to predict which pipe is in most need of replacement. The City of Syracuse “Innovation Team” (i-Team) found a technology-based solution: magnetic sensors on water mains. Launched as a pilot program in the Armory Square neighborhood, sensors detect the size and location of leaks—the indicator that there is trouble ahead if not repaired or replaced. The preemptive monitoring makes pipe replacement much more cost effective and efficient.